Aug 7, 1922 - Mar 20, 2018
Just as the first day of spring arrived, our beloved aunt, friend, guide and leader departed from us. Born August 7th, 1922, she died unexpectedly but peacefully in her sleep on March 20th, 2018 in Kelowna. She was the most gracious, loving, supportive and caring person, a volunteer for Hospice for many years, she was loved by all who knew her.
Helen was born to parents, William Peter Ries and Venus Stewart, in Edmonton, Alberta. She was married in Ottawa April 22nd 1944 to James Brown who she met when they were both serving in the Air Force. She and James were posted at many bases throughout Canada in the 35 years of James' career with the military. They settled in Kelowna in the seventies after retirement. Predeceased by her husband James, brother Jack, sister Jean and companion of twenty years, Donald.
It was always an adventure spending time with her and our Uncle Jim. From Montreal to Comox and places in between. From camping in the Okanagan to marksmanship competitions in Ottawa to elegantly hosted lunches in Kelowna, she always made the adventure special. She was a shopper extraordinaire and wonderful hostess.
For some of us, she changed our then young lives for the good. She left impressions on our hearts that shall never be erased. No service by request. Among all her possessions she had a large collection of poems; one of those is the following.
The clock of life
Is wound but once
And no one has the power
To tell us just when the hands will stop, On what day or what hour.
Now is the only time you have
So live it with a will
Don't wait until tomorrow
The hands may then be still.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com 
First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna